There could be many possibilities. It might be an original character created specifically for the fanfiction. However, it could also be a well - known house - elf from the original series, like Dobby, who in the fanfiction somehow comes to be owned by Harry Potter in a different set of circumstances. Maybe Harry saves Dobby in a more complex way in this fanfiction and as a result, Dobby becomes his house - elf.
Perhaps it's a hybrid of different house - elf traits. Maybe it has the loyalty of Dobby combined with the efficiency of other house - elves we've seen in the books. It could also be that the fanfiction gives a whole new backstory to an existing house - elf, making it seem like a different character altogether. So it could be a familiar face but with a completely new personality and set of abilities in the context of being Harry Potter's house - elf.
Well, perhaps the house - elf is constantly tidying up in really cool ways. It could be folding clothes by magic so that they are always perfectly creased, or it might arrange the books in Harry's library in a way that makes it easier for him to find the exact spell book he needs at any given time. And it could also have a special connection with the other magical creatures around the house, like communicating with the garden gnomes and getting them to stay in line without causing trouble.
Dobby is often very popular in fanfiction. Since he was already a rather unique and brave house - elf in the original series, in fanfiction he can be portrayed in even more heroic or complex ways, like leading a revolution among house - elves.
The house elf might be very grateful. Harry is known for his kindness, so the elf could see this as a chance for a better life. It might immediately start serving Harry with great enthusiasm, believing that Harry will be a fair and good master.
Dobby is definitely one of the most popular. His character from the original books was so endearing and his actions so brave that he often features prominently in fanfiction. Another popular one is Kreacher. His complex relationship with the Black family and his growth as a character make him a great subject for fanfiction writers.
Dobby would be a very likely candidate. He was already a prominent house elf in the original series and had a strong connection with Harry Potter. His brave and rebellious nature would make for great stories in a fanfiction where Harry is involved as a house elf too. Maybe they could have more adventures together, this time with Harry sharing Dobby's experiences.
I'm not sure who 'he' specifically is without more context. It could be a fan, a collector, or someone with a particular interest in the Harry Potter fandom who has managed to acquire a collection of fanfiction.
Another possibility is a group of Hogwarts professors who are very conservative in their views. They might believe that house elves should remain in their subservient positions and would try to stop Harry from making any changes. They could use their influence within the school to make things difficult for Harry and her friends as they try to advocate for the rights of house elves.
The fanfiction could focus on Lemon's backstory. Maybe she was once a part of a different wizarding family before coming to Hogwarts. And in this new environment, she has to adjust to the different dynamics among the other house - elves and the wizards and witches in the castle. She could be facing some discrimination from the other house - elves for being too friendly with the students.
A house - elf can be significant by being a key informant. Since they are often overlooked, they can overhear important conversations. For instance, they might overhear Voldemort's minions planning something in a wizard's home they serve. Also, they can use their unique magic, like their apparition - like ability to get in and out of places easily, to help the heroes. They could transport secret messages or objects.
One interesting plot could be Harry Potter discovers he has a special connection with the house elves. Maybe he can understand their language without using a spell. So he teams up with a group of house elves to uncover a secret that's been hidden in Hogwarts for centuries, like a hidden chamber that holds the key to a powerful magic that can save the wizarding world from a new dark threat.